40 Passover Recipes to Put on Your Seder Table This Year
April 22 marks the start of Passover. Whether you always host or are new to the Jewish holiday (which commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery), we’re here to help you plan your menu, from dinner to dessert.
Traditionally, observers avoided all leavened breads during the eight days of Passover, as well as rice, beans, corn and lentils due to a 13th-century prohibition. Nowadays, many families eat some of these foods, but still steer clear of leavened bread and items made with wheat flour, like bread, pasta, cereal and cookies.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 40 Passover recipes that feature some of the symbolic foods on the Seder plate and popular dishes to serve at your annual family gathering, like brisket, matzo ball soup and flourless chocolate cake.
28 Old-School Recipes Your Jewish Grandma Used to Make
1. Matzo Ball Soup with Chicken Meatballs and Homemade Broth
Foodie Crush
Time Commitment: 5 hours and 40 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, dairy free, low sugar, high protein, one pot
You’ll never look at store-bought soup the same way again. Nix the chicken to make it vegetarian and use gluten-free noodles to avoid wheat.
2. Jewish Holiday Brisket
The Mom 100
Time Commitment: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, dairy free, high protein, one pot
Unlike Southern brisket, which is typically slow cooked over indirect heat, Jewish brisket is similar to pot roast. It's typically braised in a savory mix of broth, crushed tomatoes and red wine.
3. Flourless Chocolate Cake
Two Peas & Their Pod
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten-free, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
Avoiding leavened bread unfortunately means baked goods made with wheat flour are off the table. Luckily, this Passover recipe is both decadent and gluten-free. Finish it with fresh fruit and a dusting of confectioners' sugar.
4. Charoset
Dinner at the Zoo
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, <10 ingredients, one bowl, no cook, vegan
This sweet salad—made with nuts, apples, cinnamon and wine—is one of the six traditional foods that appear on the Seder plate. Use a firm, sweet type of apple, like Braeburns or Fujis.
5. Braised Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce
Recipe Tin Eats
Time Commitment: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, high protein, low carb, one pot
Making them yourself > paying a pretty penny to have them catered. Your fam will be so impressed by this fall-off-the-bone-tender main (even your finicky relatives).
6. Frisée, Radicchio and Escarole Salad with Citrus Dressing
The Mom 100
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, one bowl, no cook, vegetarian
Helloooo, bitter greens (and a zingy, slightly sweet dressing). If your family keeps kosher and is serving meat, skip the feta cheese to make this Passover recipe dairy free.
7. 5-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Macaroons
Minimalist Baker
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten-free, <10 ingredients, dairy-free, one bowl
No flour here. It’s no wonder these low-ingredient, naturally gluten-free coconut treats have become so common for Passover dessert. The recipe calls for dairy-free chocolate, so kosher families are in the clear.
8. Lemon and Herb Roast Chicken
Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, low carb, high protein, <10 ingredients
Forget the fancy spice rubs. All it takes to make this crowd-pleasing Passover recipe is butter, lemon and fresh herbs. Keep the charred lemon halves on the serving platter—they're oh-so photogenic.
9. Matzo Brei
The Mom 100
Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, one pan, dairy free, <30 minutes
Passover lasts eight days, meaning you’ll have plenty of chances to turn leftover matzo into a ten-minute egg scramble. The recipe already calls for adding red onion, but you can toss in any wilted greens and leftover veggies, too.
10. Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks in Red Wine Sauce
Recipe Tin Eats
Time Commitment: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, dairy free, low sugar
The bone is part of the ritual Seder plate because it symbolizes the lamb sacrifice the ancient Hebrews made while fleeing Egypt. Red wine is also a main component, representing the redemption of the Israelites from enslavement.
11. Roasted Beets
Foodie Crush
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, vegan, <10 ingredients, dairy free, gluten free
Plant-based eaters who don’t consume lamb often swap lamb shank for roasted beets at the Seder, after a biblical commentator suggested it centuries ago. The only "fancy" ingredient here is fresh herbs for the garnish; the rest are pantry staples.
12. Cauliflower, Pomegranate and Apple Salad
Jacqui Melville/Apple
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free
It’s dairy-free, grain-free and complete with nutty tahini-honey dressing. Sounds like an easy win to us. (Pomegranate arils can make any dish look festive, no?)
13. One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Carrots
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, one pan, high protein, gluten free, dairy free
Seven ingredients + 30 minutes + one baking sheet = the easiest holiday dinner you’ll ever make. This Passover recipe will also leave you with only one dish to clean after the Seder.
14. Lamb Loin Chops over Minty Pistachio Butter
Suech and Beck/A Generous Meal
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, special occasion-worthy, dairy free
This spring-inspired main is as Insta-worthy as it is delicious. The key to its vibrancy is a miso-laced pistachio butter made from nuts, citrus juice and fresh mint.
15. Mayo-Free Deviled Eggs
Minimalist Baker
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free, high protein
Much like in Easter canon, the egg in the Seder represents renewal and spring. Play up its significance by serving these dairy-free deviled eggs made with a secret ingredient: hummus.
16. Whole Roasted Carrots
Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegan, gluten free, one pan
Not a fan of tzimmes, the Ashkenazi stew made with carrots and dried fruit? We have a savory alternative. Reserve the carrot greens to use as the bitter herb at the Seder.
17. Chocolate-Covered Caramel Matzo
The Mom 100
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
Matzo? Boring? Check your sources. This version is enrobed in toffee-like caramel and chocolate, then sprinkled with flaky salt and peanuts.
18. Israeli Salad
Wholesome Yum
Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, no cook, gluten free, <10 ingredients
As far as Passover recipes go, it doesn't get easier than this refreshing side dish. Get your hands on some Roma tomatoes and cucumbers—your pantry will take care of the rest.
19. Miso Matzo Ball Soup
Chanie Apfelbaum/Totally Kosher
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, dairy free, one pot
Think scallion pancakes meet matzo ball soup. Who knew that this old-school soul-soother was missing a punch of umami? Even Bubbe will approve.
20. Moroccan-Style Carrot Salad
The Mediterranean Dish
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, gluten free, dairy free
This side dish is all about the fresh herbs (take your pick of cilantro, mint and parsley) and warm spices, like cumin, harissa and coriander. Finish the carrots with toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness and crunch.
21. Braised Lamb Shanks with Vegetables
The Mediterranean Dish
Time Commitment: 3 hours
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, gluten free, dairy free
Might we suggest serving this Passover recipe over cauliflower rice if you’re strictly adhering to the no-grains rule? (Although rice is now allowed at the holiday table, according to the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards.)
22. Simple Borscht
Feasting at Home
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, gluten free, Instant Pot recipe
Mix things up this year by serving beets in liquid form. This soup only takes 40 minutes from start to finish if you have a pressure cooker, and not much longer on the stove.
23. Simple Skillet Green Beans
Two Peas and Their Pod
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, gluten free, <10 ingredients, one pan
You can't go wrong with a lightning-fast vegetable side. We have it on good authority that you have nearly every single ingredient needed (well, besides the green beans) for this Passover recipe in your kitchen right now.
24. Family Falafel with Tahini Yogurt
Clare Winfield/The Shortcut Cook All in One
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, sheet pan recipe
The Committee on Jewish Law and Standards gave chickpeas the green light a few years back, so feel free to serve this simplified take on falafel. (It's baked in a single layer, so there's no rolling or frying required.)
25. Sheet Pan Honey Horseradish Chicken and Asparagus
Averie Cooks
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, dairy free, <10 ingredients
Make this 35-minute dish, starring creamy horseradish sauce, as an homage to the grated horseradish often used in the Seder ritual. Asparagus is also at peak deliciousness in the spring, so it's an ideal vegetable pairing.
26. Bitter Leaf and Orange Salad with Orange Poppyseed Dressing
Recipe Tin Eats
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, gluten free, <10 ingredients
Don't the poppyseeds offer a certain je ne sais quoi to this Passover recipe? The photo-worthy dish will pair beautifully with a hearty beef or lamb entrée.
27. Spiced Lamb Meatball and Escarole Soup
Linda Pugliese/Help Yourself
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, gluten free
Lamb and a bitter herb in one bowl? Kudos. What’s even better is that it’ll only take you 45 minutes to whip up, since this Passover recipe calls for canned or pre-cooked beans instead of dry.
28. Almond Flour Cake with Lemon
Well Plated by Erin
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Gluten free and effortlessly beautiful? Yup, it's going on the menu for good. Use coconut whipped cream to decorate the cake if you want it to stay dairy free.
29. Avocado Deviled Eggs
Detoxinista
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, <10 ingredients
Sorry, mayonnaise. Mustard and avocado have this modernized appetizer covered in the creaminess department, while pickle juice keeps the filling's flavor bright and tangy.
30. Chicken Marbella
The Mom 100
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, dairy free
It may not be the most traditional Passover recipe, but damn is it delicious. Don't knock the combo of prunes and capers 'til you try it—they make an epic sweet-and-sour pairing.
31. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Well Plated by Erin
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, <10 ingredients
Psst: Sweet potatoes make a great substitute for carrots in tzimmes, in case your picky eaters aren't fans. These are drizzled in honey and dusted in spices for good measure.
32. Radicchio Salad with Endives, Orange and Walnuts
The Full Helping
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, gluten free, no cook, <10 ingredients
Bitter herbs, but make them elegant. All this Passover recipe takes is whisking a quick maple-citrus dressing together and tossing the veggies in it. Boom, your work is done.
33. Jelly-Glazed Salmon
Nosh with Micah
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, one pan, gluten free, dairy free
This sweet-and-savory main calls on humble grape jelly for an indulgent, sticky glaze. Better yet, the salmon cooks on a single sheet pan alongside Brussels sprouts.
34. Braised Brisket with Potatoes
The Modern Proper
Time Commitment: 6 hours and 10 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, gluten free, dairy free
Does it get easier than cooking your main and sides together in one pot after a quick sear? We think not. It's gluten free, dairy free and comes together in a single pot for easy clean-up.
35. Pan-Roasted Cabbage with Brown Harissa, Sour Cream and Turmeric Oil
Michal Korkosz/Polish'd
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
If you only ever have cabbage plain and boiled, we beg you to branch out. The underrated veggie is transformed into something spectacular when charred, but nutty brown butter, spicy harissa and a touch of brown sugar take it way over the top.
36. Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Zhoug and Zesty Yogurt
Alanna Hale/JoyFull
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, vegan
Thanks to dairy-free yogurt and mayonnaise, this foolproof-yet-elegant side dish is totally plant-based. You could save time with store-bought zhoug (Trader Joe’s has one), but making it from scratch is truly as easy as blending herbs and spices in a food processor.
37. Red Sangria
A Pretty Life in the Suburbs
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, vegetarian, no cook
Pomegranate juice, triple sec and a mélange of fruits unite for a crowd-pleasing sipper all your guests can get behind. Bonus points for using Manischewitz as the base.
38. Grain-Free Black and White Cookies
Nosh with Micah
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, vegetarian, gluten free
These deli delicacies are easier to prepare at home than you think. And thanks to almond and coconut flours, they're totally Passover-friendly. The kids' table will be thrilled.
39. Salted Tahini Chickpea Blondies
Nosh with Micah
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, one bowl, gluten free
These handhelds are uber fudgy and moist, courtesy of blitzed chickpeas in the blondie batter. Mix sesame seeds or chopped pistachios into this Passover recipe for a crunchier texture.
40. Chocolate-Covered Caramelized Matzo S’mores
The Mom 100
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
Too cold for a bonfire? Roast your marshmallows indoors on the stove instead. And be sure to use vegan 'mallows to avoid pig-based gelatin, in case you or your guests don't consume pork.
